Even though the presidential candidates have not been decided on yet, plenty of musicians are already planning on getting involved in next year's elections. HeadCount, a jam band-centric, voter registration non-profit organization, has announced plans to hold registration drives at more than 500 concerts in 2008, with a goal of registering 200,000 new voters in time for the November polls. The volunteer-run initiative plans to form street teams in about 50 US cities, each of which will work with affiliated artists and promoters to set up registration tables at concerts. Additionally, the organization will send volunteers on the road with touring artists, as well as register voters through its website. In 2004 Headcount registered nearly 50,000 voters, and sent teams on the road with Dave Matthews Band, the Dead and Phish. It also produced public service announcements starring said artists which aired on The Late Show With David Letterman. The non-partisan organization was formed in 2004 by Marc Brownstein, bass player for electronic-groovers the Disco Biscuits, and Andy Bernstein, author of Phish guide The Pharmer's Almanac. "We look at the community of people who see live music and see amazing potential," says Bernstein. "Our artists have sold 25 million concert tickets since we launched. It points to just how influential the audience can be, if we make our voice heard at the polls." Virginia McEnerney, former vice president of corporate relations at Time Warner Inc., was recently named the first full-time executive director of the organization. Additionally, its Board of Directors include Bob Weir of The Dead, Jonathan Schwartz of Relix and Richard Goodstone of Superfly Presents, which organizes Bonnaroo and Vegoose. "The most amazing thing has been the support from the artist community. Everyone we've approached has been amazing," says Brownstein. "Bob Weir, Dave Matthews, the guys in Phish, Bela Fleck. As a musician, it's an amazing feeling to see your peers and your influences get behind something you created." www.headcount.org
